Follow in the footsteps – Yurihonjo city and Nikaho city in Akita, Japan

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Michi-no-Eki Iwaki

道の駅岩城Michi-no-Eki Iwaki

A roadside station by the sea, it is a great spot for looking over the grand Sea of Japan, with hot springs and open-air baths. We recommend the local food “Honjo Ham Fry Burger”! The rental cottages are also popular, and it is a perfect stop on a road trip.

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Amasagi Village

天鷺村
Amasagi Village

A spot where you can experience history and culture. You can see as far away as the Japan Sea from the top of the 22-meter tall Amasagi Castle. The Japanese garden has a different scenery for all four seasons, and you can see traditional Japanese houses. Wherever you are in the garden, you can take a beautiful photograph that is very Japanese. We recommend “Amasagi Prime Wine,” made by the local winery, as a souvenir.

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Akada’s Great Buddha

赤田の大仏
Akada’s Great Buddha

At 9 meters tall, this giant statue of Kannon is one of the three biggest statues of Hase Kannon in Japan, and it is made of wood with gold leaf. The moment you open the door, you’re sure to swallow your breath! You are free to visit, but please remove your shoes at the steps before you come in.

Ishiwaki St.

A Saiya Sake Brewery

齋彌酒造
Saiya Sake Brewery

This brewery has won several awards for the chief brewer’s commitment to quality and traditional techniques. If you make a reservation, you can have a tour of the brewery and enjoy sake tasting. November in particular is the beginning of the brewing season, and you may be lucky enough to see them brewing the sake.

B Honjo Udon noodle factory and shop

本荘うどん
Honjo Udon noodle factory and shop

This udon has no additives, made with only natural spring water, salt, and flour. It is a small family-run udon factory, but they have strong commitment to their recipe. Because the taste of the noodles depends on how they are dried, they air-dry their noodles with accurate judgments based on the weather. You cannot eat the udon noodles here, but please do buy some as a souvenir. If you’re lucky, they might show you the room where they dry the udon noodles.

D Maruichi Soy Sauce and Miso Brewery

マルイチしょうゆ・みそ醸造元
Maruichi Soy Sauce and Miso Brewery

Founded in 1870 (Meiji year 3), this soy sauce and miso brewery has an almost 150 year history. The storefront is an old and refined building. The courtyard has a lake with spring water running into it, and you can tell how they can make such delicious soy sauce and miso. We recommend the “dashi soy sauce” for udon and soba noodles, and Maruichi’s special fish ponzu sauce. They come in small sizes which are perfect for souvenirs.

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6min from Ishiwaki St. area

20min walk from Ishiwaki St. area – Ugohonjo station – Yurikogen Railway 39min – Yashima station

Yurikogen Railway

由利高原鉄道 矢島駅Yurikogen Railway – Yashima station

A local railway connecting the Sea of Japan to Mt. Chokai. You can enjoy the view of the grand Mt. Chokai and the beautiful seasonal views of nature from the train. They have special trains running throughout the year, so be sure to check what kinds of trains are running now. We particularly recommend the “Magokoro Train,” a day-trip train with the attendant “Obako” as your guide. You cannot use your JR Pass here, but you can purchase a day pass on weekends for 1,100 yen.

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Foresta Chokai, Hanatate Ranch Cottage, Chokaiso

20min from Yashima station.

Hotel Masaka

25min from Yashima station.

Chokai Plateau & Sarukura Hot Springs

フォレスタ鳥海・鳥海荘・ホテルまさか
Foresta Chokai, Chokaiso, Hotel Masaka

Chokai Plateau and Sarukura Hot Springs are at the foot of Mt. Chokai. On a clear day, you can see the reflection of Mt. Chokai in the lake from a cottage on Chokai Plateau. You can also relax in the natural hot springs at each hotel in Sarukura Hot Springs to refresh yourself from your trip. These hotels have views of Mt. Chokai from the rooms and hot springs. Enjoy a stay that fits your style!

Chokaiso

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Hottai Waterfall

法体の滝
Hottai Waterfall

A gorgeous three-level waterfall made of the abundant meltwater of Mt. Chokai and spring water, and one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan. The waterfall increases in volume and intensity the day after rainfall and during the spring thaw. You can take the pathway up partway to see the waterfall from the side. We also recommend the food from the shop by the parking lot, which has great oden in autumn.

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Kitchen Fish Restaurant

キッチンさかなやさん
Kitchen Fish Restaurant

A restaurant managed from fishers. You can choose freshly-caught fish, and choose whether to have them grilled or boiled. If you want to have sashimi, order the sashimi assortment recommended by the manager. The seasonal fish are served as Japanese-style meals with rice and miso soup. You can also see them making sashimi up-close.